VOICE Welding Gladiator Program

Project Summary: Voice of including Community Equitably (V.O.I.C.E.) is a community-based organization dedicated to workforce development for the underprivileged and underserved populations of Fresno. The purpose of V.O.I.C.E. is to provide workforce training and job placement in jobs with sustainable wages to bring low-income and underserved people out of poverty.

Details: The Welding Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program will focus on building a workforce within West Fresno that has the skills to successfully enter gainful and ongoing employment with preparation to complete industry-recognized certifications. The project will endeavor to recruit and train at least 100 qualified residents, primarily from the target area of the 93706, 93721, and 93727 ZIP codes. The project will include a two-month start-up period, A 36-month training delivery period, and a one-month close-out period; for a total project period of 39 months.

The program is designed to be implemented through a non-traditional holistic approach to complement the whole person. V.O.I.C.E.’s workforce development approach includes hands on skill welding training curriculum assisted with participant support components such as case management services, mentoring, life skills training and coaching and job placement.